Blackie Onassis Of Urge Overkill Dead At 57

Blackie Onassis, the drummer of the beloved Chicago band Urge Overkill has died.

Onassis, who was born John Rowan, was 57.

At this point, no cause of death has been disclosed.

On their official Twitter page a statement read: “Urge Overkill is saddened to report that Blackie has passed away. Please respect our privacy at this time. We are sending much love to his family and all his fans. We know he will be missed.”

Although Rowan was not a founding member of the band, the drummer played on Urge Overkill’s best-known albums: The Supersonic Storybook, Saturation and Exit The Dragon.

A drummer of tremendous versatility, Rowan had the perfect combination of subtlety and muscle.

Rowan is survived by his mother, Mary; his sister Anne; and his brother Tim.